HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, the High Springs Community School (HSCS) students in grades 6-8 were able to cast their vote for President in a mock election.

After a month of informational preparation presented in each of the Social Studies classes in the 5-minute bell ringers, students were allowed to register to vote, received a voter registration card, and then, on Election Day, they presented their voter registration card and received a ballot. Students then proceeded to an official voter booth, cast their vote and finally receiving an official “I VOTED” sticker. The 5-minute bell ringers provided unbiased information on the election process in brief.

Information from the very first presidential election, to the history of voting, the primaries and caucuses were explored. Also covered were the history of the two main political parties, their symbols, and beliefs, party conventions and what happens during the campaigns.

Students also learned about the difference between the popular vote and the Electoral College, who can be President and Vice President and what to consider when choosing a candidate to support.

And finally, students learned what positions are in a Presidential Cabinet, what happens after an election, what a Lame Duck is, and what happens on Inauguration Day.

The administration and staff at HSCS played a key role in supporting this educational opportunity, with special thanks extended to the Social Studies team for grades 6-8, led by Jennifer Buckner and including Vito Montauk and Bill McMahan. Former teachers Jackie Michael and Terri Burley were also recognized for their contributions to making the program a success.

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Author Terri Burley is a former teacher of 30 years at High Springs Community School and a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) whose main purpose is to install a love of country, patriotism, and to inform the public on the importance of voting.

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On a beautiful, sunny Saturday, the High Springs community gathered for the much-anticipated Fall Festival, a vibrant celebration of autumn and Halloween spirit. Held behind City Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event was organized by the High Springs Chamber of Commerce, transforming the area into a bustling hub of crafts, food, music, and family-friendly activities.

The mild weather set the stage for a day filled with fun, where local organizations and vendors came together to offer something for everyone. Attendees were greeted by rows of tents displaying a rich array of crafts and handmade creations, from pottery and wood carvings to freeze-dried candies and jams. Each vendor brought a unique touch, creating a lively atmosphere that drew in locals and visitors alike.

Positioned near the town’s iconic rust-colored train caboose, a string quintet played soothing tunes that floated through the air, adding a harmonious charm to the festival ambiance. Families strolled through the area, enjoying the variety of sights and sounds.

For the young and young-at-heart, the kids’ corral featured two exciting bounce houses. A tiger-themed bounce house with bold black and orange stripes attracted the little ones, while older kids thrilled at the bounce house with a towering slide. Laughter and cheers filled the air as kids bounded around in these inflatable playgrounds.

Amid the festive activities, the approaching election made its presence known. Candidates for various positions and causes set up booths, sharing their platforms and engaging with the community, eager to connect with potential voters.

Just steps away, the High Springs Museum opened its doors to offer tours, delighting children and adults with intricate model train displays. Inside, train collectors showcased their elaborate setups, with tiny engines chugging along tracks to the fascination of both kids and adults.

The festival also provided opportunities for community support. The High Springs New Century Women’s Club hosted their fall bake sale featuring homemade desserts, including bread, pies, cookies and cakes fund local charities. Meanwhile, a table sponsored by the Methodist Church and located in front of the Women’s Club invited kids to decorate fall-themed stickers—adorning owls, squirrels, and butterflies—with colorful creativity.

Complementing the festival’s charm, the downtown area hosted a thriving Art Walk, showcasing local artistry.

With an enjoyable mix of activities, community spirit, and perfect weather, the Fall Festival was sure to please residents and visitors alike.

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ALACHUA ‒ Alachua’s Main Street was brimming with Halloween excitement as over 3,000 gathered for the annual “Trick or Treat on Main” celebration this past Saturday, Oct 26, 2024. Downtown was transformed into a bustling hub of Halloween excitement as costumed children and families arrived for the much-anticipated event. Hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with local businesses, the City of Alachua, and community organizations, this cherished tradition provided families with a safe, spirited environment to enjoy Halloween.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., families strolled through the pedestrian-only zone on Main Street, where local businesses and community groups offered candy and Halloween-themed surprises. The street was alive with color, from traditional pumpkins to more creative displays inspired by the classic movie Beetlejuice, the theme for this year’s “Scarecrow Row” — a highlight of the evening.

Scarecrow Row brought a whimsical display of creatively designed scarecrows contributed by businesses and organizations. Each display captured the quirky, eerie charm of Beetlejuice, adding a touch of Hollywood magic. From Beetlejuice himself to renditions of the film’s memorable characters and scenes, the displays brought smiles and shivers to visitors of all ages.

This year’s event saw significant backing from corporate sponsors, including the Alachua Business League, Alachua Today Newspaper/Boukari Law, Campus USA, Canvass Church, Cisco South RDC, Matchmaker Realty, Optimal Station, Polaris of Gainesville, Santa Fe Ford, The Seed, and Waste Pro.

These businesses not only sponsored scarecrow displays but also contributed to the community spirit by interacting with trick-or-treaters and offering treats along the route. “The scarecrows add such a unique, local flavor to our Halloween event,” shared a participating business owner. “It’s a way to give children and families a memorable experience.”

A Beetlejuice-themed photo booth, one of the event’s main attractions, provided families with a chance to capture fun memories. The booth included a backdrop inspired by the film, complete with a live costumed Beetlejuice, making it the perfect spot for snapping photos to remember the night. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the playful yet eerie vibes, taking home souvenirs of their Halloween adventure on Main Street.

Excited children dressed as everything from glittering princesses to vibrant superheroes darted along Main Street, gathering treats at every stop while their parents hurried to keep up with their boundless energy.

Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari expressed his enthusiasm about the event’s growing popularity. “Every Halloween, Main Street lights up with excitement, and this year was truly special with our Beetlejuice theme,” said Boukari. “Seeing families, friends, and businesses come together to create a fun and safe event is what makes Alachua’s community unique. From the scarecrow displays to our businesses handing out candy to the kids, to the photo booth, it’s all about creating lasting memories and a magical experience for everyone.”

The “Trick or Treat on Main Street” event, free and open to the public, has become a treasured tradition in Alachua. Organizers ensured ample parking in nearby lots, although families were encouraged to arrive early due to the event's popularity. Safety remained a top priority, with the Alachua Police Department on site to maintain a safe environment for all attendees.

As the evening wound down, it was clear that “Trick or Treat on Main” had once again created a shared appreciation for Alachua’s unique Halloween magic.

For more information about “Trick or Treat on Main” and other community events, visit the Alachua Chamber of Commerce website.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 25, 2024) – The City of Gainesville Transportation Department today announced a number of changes to its Regional Transit System (RTS) bus services aimed at managing budget constraints linked to reductions in federal, state and local funding as well as abnormally high increases in operating costs over the past three years.

Although passenger counts are moving steadily back toward pre-pandemic levels, with Fiscal Year 2024 ridership increasing 7.3 percent compared to the previous year (5.5 million compared to 5.1 million), this is not enough to cover rising costs. As a result, RTS is among the public transit agencies nationwide seeking new revenue sources while streamlining to reduce costs.

• Holiday Service

RTS discontinued holiday service as of Oct. 1, 2024. The bus routes previously scheduled on Veterans Day, Black Friday and Christmas Eve will not run this year.

• Paratransit Service

For eligible riders who have a disability that prevents them from making some or all of their trips on the fixed-route buses, RTS offers a shared ride door-to-door service called Paratransit. Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, this service has been scaled back to locations within three-quarters of a mile from a fixed route.

• Fare Free

To ensure the program is working as intended, beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, riders who are 18 and younger and 65 and older will require a pass for Fare Free boarding. RTS will add an online application webpage to register for these passes before year’s end.

 RTS and UF Partnership

 The city and the University of Florida are continuing discussions to improve route efficiency for students while maintaining a public transit system that works for all riders.

 “We value our partners in the City of Gainesville and look forward to continuing to work with them on this vital issue,” said Brandi Renton, UF’s interim vice president for business affairs.

 As UF continues reassessing the most efficient use of student transportation fees, adjustments are planned for some routes that have been funded by the University.

 Route 25 to Gainesville Regional Airport

Route 25 will end with the start of spring service on Jan. 3, 2025. Given this route's low UF ridership, and to be good stewards of the student funds that finance this route, the University of Florida will reallocate those assets to other student transportation solutions.

 UF Route Changes

The following route changes are recommended by UF to improve efficiency and service to students and other campus riders. If agreed upon by both sides, the following route modifications would take effect with the start of RTS spring service on Jan. 3, 2025.

 Route 125 – UF Campus Connectors will operate this route.

• Route 122 – Returns to the original north/south orientation.
• Route 150 – UF assumes operation of this route.
• Route 1 – Route moved to enter/exit campus on Museum Road to stop at the Reitz Union before resuming the regular route.

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